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East Bonsor Shaft and Surface Remains, Red Dell Valley, Coniston.


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The Bonsor East Shaft and its water wheel dates from the middle of the 18th century and the works were started by Charles Roe when he took up the lease on the mines. The shaft is some 113m deep, it intersects the Deep Level and carries on further down to flooded workings. It was used for dewatering the workings and for haulage. The shaft is really a timbered way down the large deep stope on the Bonsor Vein.

From the wheel house a winding chain and connecting rods would have made their way along a cross cut into the shaft top chamber. Most of the cross cut is now filled in with debris, but it is possible to make your way into the chamber and look at the stope top.